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How to use it: After watching/listening to this week’s message, from April 23, 2023, use the questions to go deeper into the message, with your group…or on your own. The questions will introduce you to the topic, reflect content from the sermon, go ‘Beyond the Message’, & get you thinking about practical applications for your life.

1. In Leviticus 11 we find a list of “clean” and “unclean” animals; land animals (v.1-8), sea creatures (v.9-12), birds (v.13-19), and insects (v.20-23). Which of these would you gladly give up, and which ones would be difficult for you?

   a. In Mark 7:14-19 Jesus declares all foods clean. Rather than food, what does Jesus say defiles a person? What does this mean?

2. Pastor Mark discussed how we can discern if something is a test or a blessing. Read James 1:13-18 and consider the following questions:

   a. What is the difference between a temptation and a test?

   b. Why do our decisions need to align with Scripture and bring honour to God?

   c. Sometimes people will say, “follow your heart.” Why could this be considered poor advice? Do you agree with following the order “head, heart, hands?”

3. The Bible mentions six people who committed suicide (Jud 9:54; 1 Sam 31:4-6; 2 Sam 17:23; 1 Kings 16:18; Matt 27:5). Each of these situations are tragic, just as when a person takes their life in present times.

   a. How do the following verses reveal that suicide is a sin? (Exod 20:13; Job 1:21; Psalm 31:14-15)

   b. Pastor Mark stated, “suicide is a serious sin, but it is not the greatest sin.” What is the greatest sin, and what sets it apart from all others? (ref. Matt 12:31-32)

   c. How can we offer comfort and support to a person who is contemplating suicide? For more information on this go to suicideprevention.ca

4. In 2016, the federal government passed the Medical Assistance in Dying law (MAiD), giving people with terminal illness the right to terminate their lives.

   a. What criteria do you think we should take into consideration when forming a position on this subject?

   b. Pastor Mark mentioned that part of the reason this is a complex issue is because it leads to “competing Christian values” such as mercy (Micah 6:8; Matt 5:7) and the sanctity of life (Gen 1:26-27; 2:7). What other values may need to be considered?

   c. Think of various positions people may hold regarding this issue. What could holding such a position “cost us?” (i.e. impact upon society, agencies in need of support or funding, places to volunteer, church ministries to start)